We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Senior Research Scientist to join our Polio Vaccines Team within the Science, Research & Innovation group at the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency.

This is a full-time opportunity, on a permanent contract, based in South Mimms, Hertfordshire. The successful candidate will be responsible for leading high-profile research projects that have direct global public health impact, working closely with national and international stakeholders such as the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), the World Health Organization (WHO), academic institutions, and research funding bodies.

• Develop an independent research programme in polio vaccine research in line with the overall strategy of the MHRA WHO Polio laboratory.
• Manage international collaborative research in key scientific projects such as the development of new, thermostable virus-like particle (VLP) vaccines and hyper-attenuated S19-Inactivated.
• Lead the evaluation of the genetic stability of polio vaccines during pre-clinical research, clinical trials, and post-trial.
• Manage resources, laboratory facilities, and lead a team working with a continual improvement ethos.
• Engage with national and international external stakeholders, including WHO, regulatory laboratories, and academic collaborators, as required to deliver expert services, training, and/or scientific or technical advice.

• A PhD or equivalent (e.g., MSc and relevant experience) and significant experience in leading relevant virus research.
• Experience of working with viruses of high public health consequence and vaccines for outbreak/pandemic control such as poliovirus (preferable) and/or other RNA viruses.
• Excellent communication skills for effective collaborative activities.
• Demonstrable aptitude for innovation in scientific research.

Please submit your application, including a statement of suitability, attached as a PDF of no more than 500 words, demonstrating how you meet the person specification. If you require any disability-related adjustments at any point during the process, please contact careers@mhra.gov.uk as soon as possible.